• Responsible to: Service Co-ordinator
• Hours: Full-time, must be willing to work occasional evening shifts (including Saturday) on a rotating roster.
• Salary: Modern Social, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, Level 3/4 (depending on qualifications and experience). FBT salary packaging of up to $15,900 are available for employees.

Description of our organisation:

The Fact Tree Youth Service is a community based charity located in Waterloo that has been supporting the Waterloo and wider community for over 30 years. We work with young people aged 11-25 years and offer a range of services including case management, counselling, educational and cultural workshops, school holiday programs and a Drop-In Centre. We aim to support our clients’ transition from dependence to independence incorporating all the developmental needs of young people. We support our clients with any issues they may present with from a holistic client centred approach. The Fact Tree Youth Service offers a supportive and vibrant work environment with opportunities to expand and learn from others and openings to improve and learn new skills.

Position Description Summary:

The Fact Tree work primarily with highly disadvantaged at risk youth aged between 11 and 25 and their families and/or carers. Approximately 80-90% of our client base identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The Youth Caseworker will be expected case manage clients with complex needs who present with a diverse range of issues, with a specific work focus on early intervention Drug & Alcohol/ health issues and its subsequent impacts on the individual and the community. You will also be expected to develop and implement programmes and workshops that address the needs of our target youth. We are looking for someone who has an understanding of Drug & Alcohol issues that impact young people and their families, and how to effectively provide support for these clients across the continuum of care.

Further details regarding job responsibilities are outlined below.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct client assessments, develop, monitor and implement case management plans.
• Utilise a range of case management interventions and strategies to assist clients to overcome their barriers by providing services including advocacy, referrals to other services, advice and support.
• Identify the developmental needs of the client group and consult with the Service Co-ordinator on appropriate programmes and strategies.
• Research, develop and conduct strategies and programmes on an educational, social and recreational level to assist young people to make the transition from dependence to independence.
• Implement and facilitate structured programmes for target youth.
• Develop or source appropriate educational resources/courses/materials that are inclusive and appropriate for young people on topics including D&A, legal rights, sexual health and other relevant youth issues.
• Provide transport and support for clients attending external appointments e.g. court, medical appointments.
• Keep abreast of the latest trend and knowledge in the field, in particular their relation to the local community.
• Liaise with relevant agencies for referral and/or consultation.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all client information.
• Maintain appropriate client and administrative records, files and statistics.
• Attend and participate in weekly staff meeting and monthly supervision.
• Participate in Drop-In Centre activities and supervision, including school holiday programs.
• Promote services of the organisation throughout the community through networking.
• Contribute to other programmes as necessary.
• Undertake to co-operate with strategies developed by The Fact Tree Youth Service to actively ensure the safety, protection and well-being of young people and other vulnerable people who come into association with the organisation.
• Ensure equality of access to The Fact Tree Youth Service for all young people within the target group.
• Other Duties as requested/required.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in social work/youth work/ community services/ psychology.
• Sound knowledge of youth health issues including D&A, sexual health, nutrition and mental health.
• Demonstrated experience with working with clients with Drug & Alcohol issues.
• Well developed understanding and experience in casework provision
• Experience in developing and delivering group work and programmes for young people.
• Self management and ability to work within the organisation’s ethical framework, policies and procedures.
• An ability to engage and work effectively with young people from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of ATSI culture.
• Current driver’s licence.
• Willingness to work regular evening hours and occasional Saturday shifts as required.
• Driver’s licence

Highly Desirable:

• Experience working within an Indigenous community and/or with Indigenous clients.